The Tsurai Ancestral Society is deeply
saddened by the recent statements made by Mr. Arkley regarding the Tuluwat
(Indian Island) land transfer. Mr. Arkley’s attitude toward the Wiyot Tribe and
their killing at the hands of what one news article from that time called “prominent business men from Eureka” is appalling.

While
Mr. Arkley may feel the island belongs to him and his children, because, as he
stated, they “like it,” it was stolen from the Wiyot in a horrific, murderous
rampage. We, as a community, should be
supporting the healing of those historical wounds and trying to support the
local tribes in their attempt to continue with their cultural [restoration].

The
Tsurai Ancestral Society, an organization made up of Yurok people from the
Tsurai village, would like to stand in solidarity with the Wiyot Tribe and City
of Eureka in their work toward transferring the land back to the Wiyot
Tribe. It is our hope that Mr. Arkley’s
newfound interest in the island does not derail the current transfer project. We
encourage the City of Eureka to hold strong to their commitment to the Wiyot
Tribe.

We
empathize with the Wiyot Tribe and their desire to reclaim a piece of their
cultural landscape. We, and the Yurok
Tribe, are in a similar position with some of our village in Trinidad. Although, the City of Trinidad has not shown
the level commitment the City of Eureka has, we have never given up the
struggle to see our land given back.

We
understand having someone like Mr. Arkley get involved in transfer attempts and
try to block it, as we have experienced a similar situation with some citizens,
and organizations in Trinidad. It’s
disheartening when people step forward and try to prevent historical wrongs
from being righted.

It
is our hope the City of Eureka and Wiyot Tribe hold strong in their efforts to
transfer Tuluwat (Indian Island) back to the Wiyot Tribe.